Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

Pedestrian accidents occur in various ways, often due to driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or failure to follow traffic laws.

Our firm represents victims in a range of pedestrian-related injury claims, including:

• Crosswalk Accidents – Many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even when they have the right of way. This often results in serious injuries due to high-speed impacts.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents – Unfortunately, some drivers flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, leaving victims without immediate medical help. We investigate hit-and-run cases and pursue all possible avenues for compensation, including uninsured motorist (UM) claims.
• Drunk Driving Accidents – Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to strike pedestrians, especially at intersections, crosswalks, and near nightlife districts.
• Distracted Driving Crashes – Texting, talking on the phone, or looking at GPS while driving increases the risk of failing to see pedestrians until it’s too late.
• School Zone & Child Pedestrian Accidents – Children are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles in school zones, residential areas, and parks. Drivers must be extra cautious in these areas, and failure to do so can be grounds for liability.
• Parking Lot Accidents – Pedestrians are often hit by vehicles pulling out of parking spots or speeding through parking lots without paying attention to foot traffic.
• Public Transportation & Bus Stop Accidents – Pedestrians exiting buses, trains, or rideshare vehicles can be struck by impatient or inattentive drivers.
• Elderly & Disabled Pedestrian Accidents – Seniors and individuals with disabilities may require more time to cross streets and can suffer life-threatening injuries in pedestrian crashes.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are almost always preventable and typically occur because of driver negligence.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Failure to Yield to Pedestrians – Illinois law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but many fail to do so.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving – A speeding driver has less time to react to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or at an intersection, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medications reduce reaction times, impair vision, and increase the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.
• Left-Turn & Right-Turn Accidents – Drivers often focus on oncoming traffic when making left or right turns and fail to check for pedestrians crossing.
• Obstructed Visibility – Large trucks, buses, and parked cars can block a driver's view, making it difficult to see pedestrians stepping onto the roadway.
• Poorly Designed Crosswalks & Intersections – Some pedestrian accidents result from poor city planning, missing traffic signals, or lack of pedestrian safety measures.

Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians lack protection, injuries from vehicle collisions are often severe or fatal.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma can cause concussions, cognitive impairment, and lifelong disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or permanent mobility impairments.
• Broken Bones & Fractures – Pedestrians often suffer fractured arms, legs, ribs, and hips when struck by a vehicle.
• Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Amputations & Crush Injuries – In high-impact crashes, victims may suffer crushed limbs or require surgical amputations.
• Fatal Injuries & Wrongful Death – Many pedestrian accidents result in tragic fatalities, leaving families to pursue wrongful death claims.